Neil, Freddie is into beer. I think he perhaps has a different threshold for what constitutes 'good' beer, and is perhaps more generous with his application of that label than some of us, though that should not be read as a criticism of Thwaites – the new beers they gave us yesterday, from their seasonal range, were without exception excellent by any standards.

Freddie Flintoff can often be found enjoying a few(!) pints with mates at small cricket grounds in Cheshire. The important thing is that he is receptive to real ale and his association with Thwaites' does the real ale cause no harm at all.